Mothballs—those small white pellets used to repel pests—may serve their purpose, but they leave behind a strong and lingering odor that’s tough to ignore. The moment you open a closet or enter a room filled with mothballs, you’re hit with that distinct chemical scent. It can seep into your clothes, carpets, furniture, and even walls.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get rid of mothball smell in your house using powerful, natural, and science-backed methods that work. Whether you’re trying to deodorize a whole home or just your wardrobe, this article has you covered.
2. Understanding the Mothball Smell
Mothballs typically contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (PDB)—both of which are solid chemicals that slowly turn into gas. This vapor kills moths and other fabric pests but also gives off that strong, pungent smell.
Key Facts:
- Naphthalene is derived from coal tar and petroleum.
- PDB is a synthetic chemical with a similar purpose.
- These vapors persist for weeks or even months, especially in enclosed spaces.
LSI keywords: mothball odor removal, PDB smell, lingering chemical smell
3. Health Risks of Mothball Fumes
Exposure to mothball fumes isn’t just a smelly nuisance—it can pose health risks, especially to children, pets, and people with respiratory issues.
Potential Health Concerns:
- Dizziness and headaches
- Respiratory irritation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Long-term exposure may impact kidney and liver function
That’s why it’s crucial to eliminate the source of the smell and purify the air in your home as soon as possible.
4. 9 Powerful Methods to Eliminate Mothball Smell
Let’s dive into proven, powerful ways to kick that lingering smell to the curb:
| Method | Effectiveness | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation | High | Whole house |
| Activated Charcoal | High | Small spaces |
| Baking Soda | Medium | Closets, furniture |
| White Vinegar | High | Walls, floors |
| Washing Fabrics | High | Clothes, curtains |
| Air Purifiers | Medium | Bedrooms, living areas |
| Ozone Machines | High | Severe odor |
| Repainting Walls | Medium-High | Persistent smells |
| Professional Help | Very High | Long-term infestations |
5. Ventilation and Airflow
First step: Open everything. Airing out your house is the fastest way to reduce odor levels. Create cross-breezes by opening windows and doors on opposite sides of each room. Use box fans or exhaust fans to push old air out and pull fresh air in.
Pro Tip: Run fans for 24–48 hours non-stop after removing mothballs to rapidly exchange indoor air.
Areas to Ventilate:
- Closets
- Attics
- Drawers and storage chests
- Basements
6. Activated Charcoal and Baking Soda
Both activated charcoal and baking soda are powerful odor absorbers.
Activated Charcoal:
- Place open bowls in affected areas
- Replace every 3–5 days
- Works best in enclosed rooms or containers
Baking Soda:
- Sprinkle on carpets and upholstery, leave for 8–12 hours
- Vacuum thoroughly
- Put small dishes inside drawers or closets
These natural substances trap chemical molecules, rather than just masking the smell.
7. Vinegar and Natural Cleaners
White vinegar is a powerful deodorizer. It breaks down odor-causing molecules and neutralizes them naturally.
Uses:
- Mix 1:1 vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- Spray on walls, floors, and furniture surfaces
- Let it dry or wipe with a microfiber cloth
You can also:
- Simmer vinegar on the stove for 30–60 minutes
- Leave bowls of vinegar around the house overnight
Don’t worry about the vinegar smell—it disappears quickly and takes the mothball smell with it.
8. Washing and Deep Cleaning Fabrics
Fabrics soak up mothball vapors and need to be cleaned thoroughly.
For Clothing:
- Soak in a mixture of vinegar and warm water
- Wash with baking soda and vinegar
- Dry outdoors in sunlight for natural odor removal
For Curtains, Rugs, and Upholstery:
- Steam clean or use upholstery cleaner
- Add fabric-safe vinegar solution when possible
- Use Febreze or similar neutralizers as a final step
Let everything breathe in fresh air afterward—this step is crucial for complete odor removal.
9. Repainting and Sealing Surfaces
When odors seep into drywall or wood, cleaning isn’t enough. That’s when repainting with a stain-blocking primer comes in.
Steps:
- Clean walls with vinegar or trisodium phosphate (TSP)
- Apply an odor-blocking primer like Kilz Original or Zinsser BIN
- Repaint with your preferred interior paint
This traps any remaining odor molecules in the walls or ceiling and gives your home a fresh start.
10. Using Air Purifiers and Ozone Machines
Air Purifiers:
Choose one with a HEPA + activated carbon filter for maximum effect. Run continuously in affected rooms for 3–7 days.
Ozone Generators:
These are more intense and should only be used in unoccupied spaces.
Ozone machines break down odor molecules but must be used with caution. After treatment, air out your home for 24+ hours.
